Akpabio Reacts As Appeal Court Nullifies His APC Senatorial Candidacy

 

Former Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio has broken his silence after the Court of Appeal removed him as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.

 

A three-member panel of justices led by Justice Danlami Senchi while delivering judgement on Monday held that Akpabio failed to file proof of arguments within the time provided by the rules.

 

The court further ruled that the former Governor of Akwa Ibom who contested in the presidential primary of the ruling party could not participate in the valid primary of the party held on May 28 and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which produced Udom Ekpoudom as a candidate.

 

The Appeal Court on Monday also set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja, which asked INEC to reinstate Senator Akpabio as APC’s candidate, being the flagbearer nominated by the party in the second primary of June 9.

 

In a statement he personally signed on Monday night, Akapbio said he was not a party to the appeal despite the nullification of his election by the appellate court.

 

The former Governor said his lawyers have commenced the scrutiny of the contents of the judgement for the purposes of seeking appropriate legal redress.

 

Akpabio, however, vowed to approach the Supreme Court to reclaim his mandate and represent the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

 

He also advised his supporters, party members and all his constituents to remain calm and law-abiding, as they continue their campaigns for the success of the APC in the 2023 elections.

 

He said,”My attention has been drawn to the judgement delivered by the Court of Appeal Abuja Division, directing the INEC to delist my name from their list as the APC senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the forthcoming 2023 elections.